Entries in Bond 23
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A single picture hardly justifies a blog post (or does it?), but I happen to be quite excited for Skyfall, the next James Bond movie. This picture shows Daniel Craig in Shanghai, China. What he’s doing there, we do not know, but we know that he’s probably packing a few gadgets since Q (a young Q played by Ben Whisaw) has been confirmed for the film as well as two Bond girls, Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe.

It's been a long time coming, but Bond 23 is finally moving ahead. In a press announcement today, the 23rd James Bond movie's title, cast, and first plot details were revealed. Named Skyfall, the new film is a completely new adventure, and not tied to any previous Ian Fleming or Bond book. Daniel Craig will return as 007 for a third time and Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead, Revolutionary Road) will direct.

Here's what we know about the plot: "Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."

MGM may go bankrupt by Sept. 15. That's what the internet is saying, at least. Purchasing bids have been too low, debt continues to mount, restructuring isn't fixing its problems, and its continued lack of capital has postponed projects like The Hobbit, Robocop, The Three Stooges, and the 23rd James Bond movie--all films that could make MGM money. The studio will file for bankruptcy or ask for a seventh extension on its debt, which exceeds $4 billion.

James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, will play journalist Mikael Blomkvist in the upcoming American adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The film is the first of a possible trilogy of films. According to Deadline, he will begin work once Cowboys and Aliens is done shooting this fall. There is no word yet on how this may affect the status of Bond 23.

If you've heard of this film recently, it's probably because it is currently in select theaters all around the world--as is The Girl Who Played with Fire--and making quite a stir. The only problem (if you see it that way) is that it's in Swedish. I haven't had the chance to see it yet, but look forward to getting it on video soon. You can read more about the plot and reception here.

There is no update on the status of Bond 23, but its director and star are still interested, if the financial meltdown at MGM can resolve itself sometime soon. While Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) and Daniel Craig are both accepting projects in the short term, "insider sources" have told Deadline Hollywood that both plan to "fully come back to James Bond after MGM sorts itself out."

This is not news I am happy to deliver. Over the holiday weekend, the 23rd Bond movie was axed at MGM, according to a report by Mirror.co.uk. This news comes just as its production company MGM attempts to get a historic sixth extension on its rumored $2.4 billion in debt. Bond 23 was postponed back in April due to financial problems at MGM, which co-funds the film.

How do you tell someone it's time to move on? Blockbuster video and MGM Studios need that talk. The once mighty video rental store is in debt $42.4 million and has been officially delisted from the New York Stock Exchange because it's stock price has been under $1 for far longer than normally accepted. MGM, well it's attempting to obtain a sixth extension on its billions in debt. It's time to let go, ladies.

Matt Smith wants to take over the world, but he spends most of his time defending it. According to The Coventry Telegraph, the star of Doctor Who doesn't think he's cut out for the role of Bond, but he'd love to play the bad guy.

"I don't think I'm handsome enough. I think I'd make a quite good, young Bond villain." But he admitted: "It would be kind of nice though to be the actor who's done both." He added: "I've never got away with being the handsome leading man. I suppose I'm the peculiar, odd lead. Which may work in my favour.

On Tuesday, production on the 23rd James Bond film was postponed indefinitely by series producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli because of the uncertain situation surrounding MGM, the company that owns the Bond franchise. In an interview with BBC News, Daniel Craig weighed in on the subject.

In today's most disappointing news, production on the next James Bond film has been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing uncertainty over MGM's future. Stewards of the franchise since 1995, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions issued a joint statement today, according to ComingSoon.net (via Filmonic).

"Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on 'Bond 23' indefinitely. We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the release of 'Bond 23,'" stated Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli jointly.

While the timeline of Bond 23 has been up in the air for some time, it's sad to see it officially delayed. It could be months before Time Warner or another company purchases all or part of MGM. It's not a good situation. The film was scheduled to hit theaters in the 2011/2012 time frame.